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Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara apologized for activist Harry "Spike" Moss's offensive remarks during police training, including references to Nazi uniforms and police shootings. O'Hara expressed disappointment over Moss's claims about a slain officer, Jerry Haaf, and communicated with Haaf's daughter to address the matter.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter each seek re-election amid diverging records and shifting political landscapes. Facing challenges such as rising property taxes and street homelessness, both mayors have vetoed budgets passed by their City Councils, highlighting internal divisions. Voters are encouraged to consider multiple candidates as they navigate these critical election decisions.
State Sen. Omar Fateh received the Minneapolis DFL Party's endorsement, highlighting the rising influence of democratic socialists within the Democratic Party. Comparisons have been drawn between Fateh and New York's Zohran Mamdani, who recently won a mayoral primary. Democratic socialists in Minneapolis advocate for policies such as city-owned grocery stores and higher taxes on the wealthy.
Minneapolis beaches face increased closures due to rising bacteria levels linked to heavy rainfall. Nearly half of the city's beaches have closed at least once this season, with Lake Hiawatha beach closed for six weeks. Park Board officials emphasize the importance of water safety amid climate change impacts.
Vandals smashed windows of multiple vehicles in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis, with reports indicating damage to between 20 and 30 cars. Police suspect a group of juveniles is responsible, reflecting a broader trend of vehicle vandalism and theft in the city. Residents expressed shock and concern over the safety of their community.
Federal agents conducted a raid at Las Cuatros Milpas restaurant in Minneapolis on June 3 as part of a larger operation targeting human and drug trafficking. The raid led to protests, with no arrests made at the scene, although restaurant owner Francisco Estrada-Deltaro was later detained at his home for illegally re-entering the country. Local officials criticized the law enforcement response, prompting calls for a review of police actions in relation to sanctuary city policies.
Hennepin County commissioners are poised to reclaim oversight of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) amid ongoing financial struggles, with a final vote expected on August 12. Union workers support the move, citing a need for greater financial oversight, while hospital leaders argue that governance is not the core issue. The hospital faces a $35 million budget gap, prompting calls for urgent action to ensure its operations continue.
A Minneapolis city auditor confirmed that police did not violate the city’s separation ordinance during a federal raid at a Mexican restaurant in June. The audit highlighted communication failures among city officials, who misrepresented the operation as an immigration raid, raising concerns among residents and immigrant-rights activists.
Hennepin Healthcare System board members oppose a county proposal to dissolve their board and take over HCMC, arguing it prioritizes politics over patient care. Board Chair Mohamed Omar emphasizes the hospital's financial crisis stems from serving uninsured patients, not governance issues. A critical vote on this governance change is expected on August 12.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's re-election campaign raised over $539,000 this year, breaking fundraising records for mayoral campaigns in the city. His opponent, Sen. Omar Fateh, reported $213,000 raised but has significantly less cash on hand. The citywide elections are set for November 4.